The Effectiveness of Restorative Justice in Resolving Criminal Cases in Indonesia

Authors

  • Gita Dianti Faculty of Law, Merdeka University of Malang, Indonesia
  • Arkadewi Galuh Faculty of Law, Merdeka University of Malang, Indonesia
  • Budi Haris Faculty of Law, Merdeka University of Malang, Indonesia

Keywords:

Restorative justice, Effectiveness, Criminal justice system, Indonesian criminal law

Abstract

The restorative justice approach is increasingly used in the criminal justice system as an alternative to the punishment-oriented retributive approach. In Indonesia, the application of restorative justice has been accommodated in various regulations, such as the Law on the Juvenile Criminal Justice System (SPPA) and the Regulation of the Chief of Police No. 8 of 2021. However, the effectiveness of this approach is still being debated. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of restorative justice in resolving criminal cases in Indonesia using a qualitative method based on case studies. Data were obtained through in-depth interviews with law enforcement officers, victims, and perpetrators, as well as analysis of legal documents and court decisions. The results of the study indicate that restorative justice provides benefits in terms of victim satisfaction and perpetrator rehabilitation, but still faces various obstacles, including lack of understanding by law enforcement officers, resistance from the community, and challenges in balancing the rights of victims and perpetrators. Compared to other countries such as Canada and New Zealand, Indonesia still needs to strengthen regulations and legal infrastructure to optimize the implementation of this approach. Therefore, this study recommends increasing training for law enforcement officers, improving regulations, and involving the community in supporting the success of restorative justice in the Indonesian criminal justice system.

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Published

2025-03-25

How to Cite

Dianti, G., Galuh, A., & Haris, B. (2025). The Effectiveness of Restorative Justice in Resolving Criminal Cases in Indonesia. Journal of Normative and Socio-Legal Studies, 1(1), 1–10. Retrieved from https://journals.joninstitute.org/index.php/jonson/article/view/76